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Remembering Dick Clark

By: Terry Foster

In 2004 Dick Clark suffered a stroke that affected his ability to speak.

It was a huge blow back then because this was a youthful guy that made Saturday afternoon's more tolerable as host of American Bandstand. This was when we were introduced to many of tomorrow's stars. They'd come on American Bandstand and like magic became famous. Everybody loved Dick Clark and I thought he'd be on television forever.

After his stroke I wanted Clark to disappear. I did not want to see him bring in the New Year with slurred speech. This was not the guy I grew up watching and admiring. I knew my reasons were selfish. But I admit that is the way I felt.

But he kept coming on and I heard people make fun of him. He was one of America's great icons and it was sad to see him like this. Well we won't be seeing Dick Clark on New Years Eve because he died Wednesday morning of a heart attack at age 82.

I want people to remember the Dick Clark on American Bandstand and the vibrant guy that appeared on New Years Rockn' Eve. That is the Dick Clark I grew up watching and that is the Dick Clark that America respected and loved.

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